The EFG London Jazz Festival is one of the capital’s biggest music events and comes around every November.
But fans of the musical form need not wait that long to hear the sweet sounds of the sax, with organisers planning a number of summer events.
Four special concerts have been slated to take place in June and July in venues across the capital.
Here is everything you need to know about all things jazz:
When is the EFG London Jazz Festival?
As always, the official event will take place in November and this year is no different - with the event planned from November 10 to November 19.
Organisers have promised “ten days of live performances, special collaborations, fresh discoveries, and exclusive new commissions” on the website, which is being updated regularly in the run-up to the event here.
Gigs will be held at a variety of London music hotspots such as the Apollo, the Barbican, King’s Place and Cadogan Hall. The full list can be seen here.
What is the EFG London Jazz Festival Summer Series?
In the lead-up to the official week, jazz festival organisers have put on “four very special concerts” across June and July to whet the appetite of music lovers.
Shakti will perform on June 27 and 28 at Apollo Hammersmith, followed by three concerts at the Barbican: Kandace Springs and Artemis on July 11, An Evening with Branford Marsalis on July 12 and Abdullah Ibrahim Trio on July 15.
A spokesman said: “EFG London Jazz Festival returns this November, with an exciting line up of international artists, inspiring collaborations, themed strands and special creations. Before that, the festival team kicks off the journey with a series of global jazz stars taking over the Barbican and Eventim Apollo across June and July. This summer series features concerts by global icons Shakti, Kandace Springs + Artemis, Branford Marsalis Quartet and Abdullah Ibrahim Trio.”
Tickets can be purchased here.
Who has been confirmed for the EFG London Jazz Festival?
Names are constantly being added to the November line-up, but already a host of famous jazz faces have been confirmed for the event later in the year.
The opening gala will take place in the Southbank Centre on Friday, November 10, with tickets going on sale on June 9. They will cost between £19.50 and £85 depending on the seats selected and they are expected to go fast. They can be purchased from here.
Organisers are keeping who will be performing at the gig under wraps, but said: ‘The spectacular opening gala of the EFG London Jazz Festival returns with a dazzling line-up of soloists, joined by arranger and conductor Guy Barker, and the specially created EFG London Jazz Festival Orchestra.
“This year we’re bringing an extra special show as we celebrate the journey of the iconic Jazz Voice, featuring familiar names from the past 15 years of performances.”
Other stars to shine in the 10-day long November event include Gazelle Twin, GOAT, Nai Barghouti, Makaya McCraven & London Contemporary Orchestra: In These Times and The Cookers - plus more.
The full line up announced so far can be seen here.
